Automated loading devices and associated methods used to straddle load elongated product onto a receiving member

ABSTRACT

Automated loaders are configured with winding mechanisms that load elongated products directly onto transfer members, such as sticks or rods, by causing the arm to follow a repetitive motion pattern proximate to the stick or rod to discharge the elongated product in a desired motion onto the stick or rod. Methods for discharging elongated product, such as encased meats, so that they straddle or loop directly onto the stick, bar or other desired food support are also described.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Serial No. 60/362,375 filed Mar. 7, 2002, and U.S.Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/370,874 filed Apr. 8, 2002,the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if recitedin full herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to movement or transfer of productwithin processing facilities and is particularly suitable for automatedloaders of lengths of products such as elongated extruded or stuffedfood products in food preparation and production systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Conventionally, extruded or stuffed food products such as pasta,dough, and meats such as hot dogs, links, or sausages, can be processedso that the desired food material is extruded or mixed and prepared,then propelled through a “stuffer machine” that includes a stuffingnozzle, extrusion machine, or co-extrusion machine. In operation, incertain food items, as the food moves through the stuffing nozzle orextrusion head, a natural or synthetic casing is disposed about and/ordeposited or wrapped around the external surface of the food material toform a continuous length of encased elongated food product. To formcertain products (such as hotdogs and sausages), the casing can betwisted, tied, nipped, and/or crimped at certain intervals, forming achain-like string or strand of encased food product. Extruders andco-extruders are available from various commercial manufacturersincluding, but not limited to, Townsend Engineering Co., located in DesMoines, Iowa. Stuffers are available from various commercialmanufacturers including, but not limited to, HITEC Food Equipment, Inc.,located in Elk Grove Village, Ill., Townsend Engineering Co., located inDes Moines, Iowa, Robert Reiser & Co., Inc., located in Canton, Mass.,and Handtmann, Inc., located in Buffalo Grove, Ill. Exemplary stufferand/or linker apparatus are also described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,788,563;5,480,346; 5,049,108; and 4,766,645. The contents of these patents arehereby incorporated by reference as if recited in full herein.

[0004] After stuffing or extruding, the encased elongated food productis expelled from the stuffer or extruder via a material discharging exitport. FIG. 1A illustrates a conventional stuffer 10 and stuffer materialdischarge port 10 p. The stuffer discharge port 10 p is positionedproximate a “linker” or looping and transferring device 15 (FIG. 1B)that rotates an endless chain of books 15 h about the discharge port 10p. Generally described, the material discharge port 10 p is configuredso that, during operation, the product is expelled and directed so thatthe traveling hooks, which serially travel to be adjacent the dischargeport 10 p, catch a portion of the length of the product, with the resultthat the product forms loops on the hooks at certain intervals. Morespecifically, certain devices are configured so that the hooks 15 htravel to the discharge port 10 p and the discharge port 10 p dischargesinto a downwardly inclined channel that directs the elongated fooddownward and, as the hooks turn to face the discharged food, the hookssequentially individually reach out to grasp the product at certainintervals. Other devices propel the encased product onto hooks thatrotate thereabout (typically under) to catch the product at certainintervals to transfer the encased material onto the transfer device. Thehooks 15 h then suspend the product in a looped configuration (hangingin a vertical orientation) as shown in FIG. 1B, with each hook 15 hsupporting a single loop of product.

[0005]FIG. 1C illustrates a slightly different prior art stuffer 10 andassociated linker 15 with hooks that are oriented to rotate in adifferent plane from that shown in FIG. 1A (i.e., a vertical planerather than a horizontal plane). In addition, in this prior artstuffer/linker, the discharge port 10 p terminates into a short expanseof tubing that forms a rotating discharge nozzle 10 r. The rotatingnozzle 10 r, again, propels the extruded encased product onto the hooks15 h.

[0006] After the product is suspended on the hooks 15 h, a rod or stickis typically manually inserted through the suspended looped productabove the hooks and below the upper looped portion of the food, and theproduct is manually lifted up and off the hooks 15 h and transferred toa trolley, oven, or other food processing station.

[0007] In view of the foregoing, there is a need to provide automatedprocessing systems that can improve the production process to facilitatethe loading of food receiving members such as sticks and/or reduce theneed for manual labor to load sticks and/or that can more controllablytransfer strands of elongated items in an automated manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides an automated winder system,methods, and devices that can automate the loading of extruded orstuffed product onto a transfer support member such as a stick loader.The automated winders can be configured to remove the need for ahook-based continuous looping system, and/or manual insertion of rods tolift the looped product onto the rods, from the production process.Indeed, in particular embodiments, the automated winder can load theelongated product directly onto a stick or desired support transfermember that can then be used to transfer the product to (and/or through)the next processing station (such as a smoker, oven, curer or the like).

[0009] In certain embodiments, the automated winder is configured withan arm that extends a distance away from the discharge port. The arm isconfigured to repetitively translate a vertical distance so as to travelabove and below a suitably aligned transfer member. The arm may beconfigured to move up and down and/or to rotate in a substantiallycircular, oval, elliptical, or other desired motion. Typically thegenerated motion in a path that has two different directions of travel,such as a motion that includes both x and y axis directional components.The transfer member may be configured to (linearly) translate as the armtranslates (moved either forward or backward toward or away from thestuffer discharge port) so that the automated winder can load,straddle-wrap or loop, the released product starting at one end portionof the transfer member and terminating at the opposing end portion sothat substantially the entire length (or a desired length) of thetransfer member is covered with a continuous length of straddled and/orlooped product.

[0010] Certain embodiments of the present invention are directed towardsmethods for loading a carrier member with suspended elongated product.The method includes suspending an elongated product over a carriermember in a straddled configuration in which sections of elongatedproduct form bights draped from the carrier member, with seriallyconsecutive bights having a plurality of bends, being draped on opposingsides of the carrier member. In other embodiments, a plurality ofdiscrete segments are straddled and suspended over the carrier member.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the system of operations or methods caninclude: (a) receiving a continuous length of at least one elongatedproduct onto an elongated arm, the elongated arm having opposingreceiving and releasing end portions; (b) moving the elongated arm tocause it to travel repetitively along a first desired path; (c)directing the at least one elongated product to travel forward a desireddistance over the elongated arm during the moving step; (d) positioninga transfer support member having an associated length in alignment withthe elongated arm; then (e) translating the transfer support memberalong a second desired path that so that the transfer support membertravels adjacent the first path as the at least one elongated product isreleased from the releasing end portion of the elongated arm; and (e)suspending at least one continuous length of released elongated producton the transfer support member in response to the translating step sothat the elongated product is arranged in a straddled configuration with(i) a plurality of adjacently arranged non-looped lengths hanging on thesame side of the transfer support member and a plurality of differentadjacent non-looped lengths hanging on the opposing side of the transfersupport member and/or (ii) discrete non-looped spaced apart suspendedlengths so that the elongated product has a plurality of suspensioncontact points spaced apart about a desired length of the transfersupport member.

[0012] In operation, the elongated item can be directed to travel on thearm a distance away from the discharge port, then to be released off thearm at an end portion thereof, and wrapped about the transfer member. Incertain embodiments, the transfer member is a portable stick memberupon, which the wrapped continuous product is suspended in a looped ornon-looped straddled suspended arrangement, each length of suspendedsegment and/or loop having a substantially uniform length. The arm mayinclude an enclosed or partially enclosed chute or channel configuredand sized to allow the elongated item to move substantially unrestrictedtherethrough. In other embodiments, the arm has an open face and theproduct is directed to travel over the arm on the open face. An externalenvironmental housing may be placed over a desired length of the arm.The arm may include a floor that is stationary or moves, or combinationsthereof. In certain embodiments, the food support floor is defined by anendless conveyor, a shuttle conveyor, or a stationary surface orcombinations of same.

[0013] Certain embodiments of the present invention are directed tomethods for loading, winding, or looping an elongated item onto areceiving member, such as a stick member. The method includes: (a)receiving a continuous length of an elongated product onto an elongatedarm, the elongated arm having opposing receiving and releasing endportions; (b) moving the elongated arm to cause it to move in arepetitive motion; (c) directing the elongated product to travel forwarda desired distance over the elongated arm during the moving step; (d)positioning a transport support member (such as, but not limited to, astick member) in alignment with the elongated arm during the movingstep; and then (e) translating the stick member toward or away from theend portion of the elongated arm as the elongated product is releasedfrom the releasing end portion of the elongated arm thereby winding theelongated product directly onto the stick member so that the elongatedproduct is arranged in a looped configuration thereon.

[0014] Other embodiments are directed to an automated winder for anelongated product. The automated winder includes an elongated arm havingan associated length and opposing first and second end portions. Inposition, the first end portion is adapted to receive an elongated itemthereon from an extrusion or stuffer device located upstream of theautomated winder. The second end portion is configured to release theelongated item therefrom after the item travels a desired distance overthe length of the arm away from the extrusion device. The winder alsoincludes a winding mechanism attached to the elongated arm a distancefrom the first end portion thereof. The winding mechanism is configuredto cause the elongated arm to repetitively travel in a desired motionpattern so that, in operation, the winding mechanism causes the arm torelease the elongated item in a manner that load and/or wind theelongated item about a suitably aligned transfer support member. Theloading can be carried out so that the product is looped or straddled ina non-looped suspended configuration onto the transfer support member.Combinations of looped and non-looped suspended segments can also beused.

[0015] Other embodiments are directed to a loaded carrier assemblyhaving elongated product thereon. The assembly includes a carrier memberand an elongate product suspended on the carrier member in a straddledconfiguration so that it is draped from the carrier member. Theelongated product includes sections that form bights, with seriallyconsecutive bights being formed or located on opposite sides of thecarrier member and/or (b) discrete non-looped spaced apart suspendedlengths.

[0016] Still other embodiments are directed to automated winder systems.The systems can include at least one elongated transfer support memberhaving a length and sized and configured to hold a suspended straddlednon-looped (and/or looped) arrangement of an elongated product thereonand an automated winder configured to be cooperably positioned andaligned with the discharge port of an extrusion or stuffer deviceconfigured to discharge elongated product therefrom. The automatedwinder includes an elongated arm having an associated length that may belonger than the length of the transfer support member. The elongated armhaving opposing first and second end portions. In position, the firstend portion is adapted to receive an elongated item thereon from theextrusion or stuffer device. The second end portion is configured torelease the elongated item therefrom after the item travels greater thana major portion of the length of the arm in a direction that is awayfrom the extrusion device. The arm is positioned in spaced apartcooperating alignment with the transfer support member. The winder alsoincludes a winding mechanism attached to the elongated arm. The windingmechanism is configured to cause the elongated arm to repetitivelytravel in a desired motion so that, in operation, the winding mechanismcauses the elongated product to load or wind about the transfer supportmember as it is released from the second end portion of the arm.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the winding mechanism, in operation, thecauses the elongated product to straddle the transfer support member ina non-looped arrangement as it is released from the second end portionof the arm.

[0018] In particular embodiments, the transfer support member islinearly translated away from the extrusion or stuffer device duringoperation so as to receive the loaded and/or wound product over adesired length of the support member. The wound product may be arrangedin substantially uniform non-looped straddled lengths and/or loopedlengths so as to hang suspended from the transfer support member. Thesystem may be arranged so that over a desired time period, the winder issubstantially continuously operated to load a plurality of transfersupport members that are serially aligned with the arm for a desiredinterval of time so as to successively transfer and wind elongatedproduct thereon. Further, in certain embodiments, the transfer supportmember is a stick or rod that can be used to support the elongatedproduct at the next active workstation that may be an oven, a smoker, acurer, or other food preparation/processing station.

[0019] These and other objects and aspects of the present invention areexplained in detail in the specification set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a prior art extruded food stufferand associated linker or transferring and looping device.

[0021]FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of the looping hooks of the deviceshown in FIG. 1A showing an elongated extruded encased food productsuspended thereon.

[0022]FIG. 1C is a perspective view of another prior art stuffer andlinker.

[0023]FIG. 2A is a side view of a portion of an automated winderaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of an exemplary motion patternof the arm of the automated winder of FIG. 2A according to embodimentsof the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 2C is a side view of a portion of an automated winder similarto that shown in FIG. 2A illustrating a different winding patternaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 2D is a schematic illustration of an exemplary motion patternof the arm of the automated winder of FIG. 2C according to embodimentsof the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 2E is a side view of a portion of an automated winder similarto that shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C illustrating yet another differentwinding pattern according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 3A is a schematic illustration of a portion of the automatedwinder illustrated in FIG. 2A showing the winder arm above the loadingstick or receiving member.

[0029]FIG. 3B is a schematic illustration of a portion of the automatedwinder illustrated in FIG. 2A showing the winder arm below the loadingstick or receiving member.

[0030]FIG. 3C is a schematic illustration of a portion of the automatedwinder illustrated in FIG. 2C showing the winder arm at a first positionwith respect to the loading stick or receiving member.

[0031]FIG. 3D is a schematic illustration of a portion of the automatedwinder illustrated in FIG. 2C showing the winder arm at a secondposition with respect to the loading stick or receiving member.

[0032]FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the winderarm of the winder of FIG. 2A with the winding mechanism attached abovethe winder arm according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0033]FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of a portion of a winder armillustrating an enclosed chute or channel according to embodiments ofthe present invention.

[0034]FIG. 5B is an end view of the winder arm shown in FIG. 5A.

[0035]FIG. 6 is a side view of an automated winder system illustratingthe winder attached below the winding arm according to embodiments ofthe present invention.

[0036]FIG. 7 is an end view of the winding mechanism shown in FIG. 6.

[0037]FIG. 8 is an end view of the winder arm shown in FIG. 6.

[0038]FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of anautomated winder according to the present invention.

[0039]FIG. 9B is a side perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 9A.

[0040]FIG. 9C is a schematic front view of the device shown in FIG. 9A.

[0041]FIG. 9D is a side perspective view of alternative embodiment of awinder according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0042]FIG. 9E is a side perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 9D.

[0043]FIG. 9F is an enlarged side view of the winder shown in FIG. 9Ewith the arm partially cut away.

[0044]FIG. 9G is side view of a winding mechanism shown in FIG. 9F.

[0045]FIG. 10A is a front view of an example of a stick/rod as employedas a transfer support member suitable for loading with the automatedwinders of the present invention.

[0046]FIG. 10B is a front view of an alternative embodiment of atransfer support member according to the present invention.

[0047]FIG. 10C is a front view of yet another alternative embodiment ofa transfer support member according to the present invention.

[0048]FIG. 11A is a side view of a discharge portion of the armillustrating an end guide according to certain embodiments of thepresent invention.

[0049]FIG. 11B is a side perspective view of an alternate configurationof an end guide according to certain embodiments of the presentinvention.

[0050]FIG. 12A is a schematic of a winding pattern according toembodiments of the present invention.

[0051]FIG. 12B is a schematic of another winding pattern according toembodiments of the present invention.

[0052] FIGS. 13A-13G are schematic front views of illustrations ofexemplary winding patterns that may be used to wrap or position productonto a receiving member according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0053] The present invention will now be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in whichembodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein. Like numbers refer to like elementsthroughout. In the figures, certain layers, components or features maybe exaggerated for clarity, and broken lines illustrate optionalfeatures or operations unless specified otherwise. In addition, thesequence of operations (or steps) is not limited to the order presentedin the claims unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0054] In the description of the present invention that follows, certainterms are employed to refer to the positional relationship of certainstructures relative to other structures. As used herein, the term“forward” and derivatives thereof refer to the general or primarydirection that food travels as it moves inside a food processor from aprocessing point or region to the next processing point or region; thisterm is intended to be synonymous with the term “downstream,” which isoften used in manufacturing environments to indicate that certainmaterial being acted upon is farther along in the manufacturing processthan other material. Conversely, the terms “rearward” and “upstream” andderivatives thereof refer to the directions opposite, respectively, theforward and downstream directions.

[0055] The automated winders of the present invention may beparticularly suitable to wind or load elongated food items from onestation to a support member that can be used to transport the elongatedfood items to the next desired work or processing station. Elongatedfood items include, but are not limited to, elastic or partially elasticfood items such as cheese (e.g., mozzarella strands), dough (such as forincubation), meat sticks or strands, pasta, licorice or other strands ofcandy, and meat products. Of course, the processing system can beconfigured to wind or transfer other items. For example, other elongatedproducts include candles, ropes, string, cables, chain, wires, hose,tubing, and the like.

[0056] In certain embodiments, the present invention is used to processand/or transfer or load a length of an elongated extruded product heldin a casing onto a support member. The casing can be any suitable casing(edible or inedible, natural or synthetic) such as, but not limited to,collagen, cellulose, plastic, elastomeric or polymeric casing. Theelongated product can be an elongated meat product. Exemplary meatproducts include, but are not limited to, strands of meat (that maycomprise pepperoni, poultry, and/or beef or other desired meat),processed meat products such as strand(s) or continuous lengths of meatsticks (including whole or partial meat mixtures), sausages, hotdogs,and the like. The term “continuous” is used interchangeably with“contiguous” to mean that the product is connected or joined (directlyor indirectly) over its length.

[0057] The elongated product can be configured as a continuous length ofproduct having a length of at least about 20-25 feet per strand, andtypically at least about 50 feet. In other embodiments, the length ofthe continuous product may be up to about 150-200 feet, or even longer.The elongated product may be segmented or non-segmented, i.e., a lengthof chain-like linked items, or a strand or multi-stranded length ofnon-chain linked product. Other embodiments may load the elongatedproduct in a series of non-looped discrete lengths. The discrete lengthsmay be any desired length or combinations of lengths, such as, but notlimited to, lengths between about 1-20 feet.

[0058] The elongated food item may be elastic (at least in tension) soas to allow some stretching without unduly altering or deforming itsdesired shape and/or cross-section during processing. The elongated fooditem may be an extruded product that is held in a natural or syntheticcasing as noted above. Other embodiments contemplate product that haverigid configurations but are movable link to link, such as chains ofmaterial having sufficient rigidity to retain its shape duringprocessing and/or use (such as those objects formed of sufficientthickness or structure to provide a solid, semi-solid, or hollow lengthof material). The material may be a composite resin, metal, polymer,elastomeric and/or plastic material, combinations of the same, and thelike.

[0059] In operation, in certain embodiments, the elongated product mayhave an exterior surface that, during the loading process, exhibitsincreased friction relative to a finished, cured, or driedconfiguration. For example, a processed meat mixture that is held in acollagen casing, prior to finishing, can be described as having arelatively gelatinous, sticky external residue that can cause the foodto attempt to stick to a support surface.

[0060] Turning now to FIG. 2A, one embodiment of an automated winder 20is shown. The automated winder 20 includes an elongated arm 21 withfirst and second opposing end portions 21 a, 21 b, respectively, and awinding mechanism 30. In this view, the winding mechanism 30 isschematically illustrated by a translation linkage 30L that is attachedto the arm 21 in a manner that allows it to repetitively move the arm 21in a desired translating motion or pattern. At the other end of thetranslation linkage 30L can be any number of suitable translationgeneration means as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. Asshown, the arm 21 directs the elongated product 25 onto a desiredtransport support member 50 (shown as a stick or rod). In operation, aplurality of support members 50 are serially placed in alignedcooperating position with the arm 21 of the winder 20 so that eachsupport member 50 can be successively loaded or wound with loopedelongated product 25.

[0061] In certain embodiments, the winding mechanism 30 is configured toprovide a motion for the arm 21 that includes at least a substantiallycontinuous or repeating motion (open or closed path) as indicated by thesolid line arrows positioned proximate the translation linkage 30L.Additionally, the winder mechanism 30 may also be configured totranslate in a more complex, multi-directional motion (as indicated bythe broken-line arrows shown adjacent the solid-line arrows, the motionmay also be include movement that is directionally in and out of thepaper “the Z axis”). Thus, as shown by the dotted line arrows adjacentthe solid line arrows, the translation linkage 30L may drive the arm 21to move in a direction which is a closed path including two differentaxis of travel, typically including both X and Y axis directionalcomponents. The closed path may be shaped in any desired suitableconfiguration, including, but not limited to, an oval, teardrop,circular, elliptical, hourglass, square, or rectangle, so as, inoperation, it causes the elongate product to wrap to the desiredconfiguration. Further the winding mechanism 30 may be programmablyconfigured to alter its winding pattern, winding speed, and the like,depending on certain parameters such as the product being processedand/or the loading configuration desired.

[0062] By way of illustration, as shown in FIG. 2B, the arm 21 can havea maxima position at a first vertical height 21 h ₁, two intermediatepositions at a second lesser height 21 h ₂ (shown with the arm 21 indotted line below the maxima height), and a minima position 21 h ₃ atstill a lesser vertical height (shown with arm 21 at yet another lowerposition at a minima height). The arm 21 is configured to move asufficient distance above and below the transport member 50 so as toload or loop the elongate product 25 thereon.

[0063]FIG. 2B illustrates but one embodiment of a rotational motionpattern 21 p for the arm 21 in which the arm 21 successively movesthrough a closed path pattern. In certain embodiments, as shown in thisfigure, the pattern 21 p may be substantially elliptical or oval. Inthis pattern, the arm 21 travels through the intermediate positions bothas it is moved and/or rotated in the closed path in the downward andupward directions. In position, the transport member 50 is locatedwithin the perimeter of the enclosed closed travel path defined by thetranslating arm 21. In certain embodiments, the transfer member 50 canbe located so that it is centrally located within the boundary of themovement of the arm. In other embodiments, the transfer member isasymmetrically positioned (such as closed to the top, bottom or one sideof the arm movement). The direction of travel is shown as clockwise inFIG. 2B, but may be configured to be counterclockwise as well.

[0064]FIG. 2A shows that the first end portion 21 a of the arm ispositioned a length away from the discharge port 10 p of the upstreamprocessing station. As shown, the upstream processing station can be theextruder 10 (such as the conventional extruders shown in FIGS. 1A-1C)and the second end portion 21 b of the arm is positioned proximate to,and in cooperating alignment with, a discharge port 10 p of the extruder(or stuffer) 10 or intermediately positioned member such as a chute.That is, the second end portion of the arm 21 b is positioned so as toreceive the elongated product 25 from the upstream device and theopposing (first) end portion 21 a is configured to release the elongatedproduct 25 after the product 25 has traveled a desired distance over thelength of the arm 21. Typically, the product 25 will travel a majorportion of the length of the arm, and more typically, substantially theentire length of the arm 21 before it is released. The product 25 can bereleased directly from the first end portion 21 a, or a discharge nozzleor other discharge port can be attached to the arm 21 and used todispense the product 25 therefrom.

[0065] In operation, the transfer member 50 can be configured to startat a first position that is toward the upstream end 21 b of the arm 21and during loading is gradually retracted or translated to be closer tothe downstream end 21 a of the arm 21 all at substantially the samevertical height (as shown by the horizontal arrows adjacent thetransport member 50 in FIG. 2A). This motion distributes looped productover the desired length of the transport member 50. FIGS. 3A and 3Billustrate the winding translation of the arm 21 with respect to thetransport member 50. The transport member 50 is located at a firstposition P₁ and is gradually moved forward to a second position P₂ asthe arm 21 winds the product 25 thereon. Thus, the transport member 50moves a distance ΔP.

[0066] In certain embodiments, the transport member 50 moves at asubstantially constant speed or increments of travel distance that issynchronized and/or responsive to one or more of the speed of thewinding (speed of the arm), the speed of forward movement of the product25 as it exits the arm 21, and the desired loopingarrangement/configuration (length of the loops) on the transport member50. In certain embodiments, the movement of the transport member 50, thewinding speed of the arm 21, and/or the speed of the elongate product 25as it moves off the arm, can vary to provide variable loading density orlooping lengths. Thus, the movement distance and speed of movement ofthe transport member 50 can vary depending on the desired loading of thetransport member and winding speed and loop configuration (length,etc.). Typically, the transport member 50 moves a distance thatcorresponds to a substantial portion of its length (i.e, greater thanabout 51-75% thereof). Although described as starting from a rearwardposition and moving forward, the transport member 50 can be configuredto move in the reverse direction also.

[0067]FIG. 2C illustrates an alternate loading arrangement of theelongated product on the transport or receiving member 50 with anexample of an associated winding pattern 21 p of the arm 21. As shown,the arm 21 is configured to load the product in a suspended straddled,non-looped configuration (i.e., the product does not double over or loopto cross or close upon itself). As shown in FIG. 2C, one or more onecontinuous lengths of released elongated product can be loaded onto thetransfer support member 50 in response to the release of the product 25from the moving arm during the translation thereof so that the elongatedproduct 25 is arranged in a straddled configuration with a plurality ofadjacently arranged non-looped vertical lengths, such as L₂, L₄ or L₅,L₇, hanging on the same side of the transfer support member and aplurality of different adjacent non-looped lengths, such as L₁, L₂ orL₄, L₅, hanging on the opposing side of the transfer support member sothat the elongated product 25 has a plurality of suspension contactpoints 121Sn spaced apart about a desired length of the transfer supportmember 50. As used herein, the term “suspension contact points” meansthe discrete physical contact spaces, areas, or regions between theproduct 25 and the transfer support member 50. The area or size of thecontact points may vary depending on the size, weight, and/or width ofthe product, and/or the size and/or width of the transfer support member50.

[0068] Still referring to FIG. 2C, as shown, the winding mechanism 30 isconfigured to configure the suspended straddled arrangement of theelongated product 25 on the transfer support member 50 such that, inserial order, a first continuous length of product is arranged so that afirst vertical length L₁ of the elongated product extends about one sideof the transfer support member 50, a second vertical length L₂ extendsover the opposing second side of the transfer support member 50 afterthe first length L₁, a first suspension portion 121S₁ is locatedintermediate the first and second lengths L₁, L₂, respectively. A thirdadjacent length L₃ laterally extends along the second side of thetransfer support member 50 after the second length L₂, a fourth verticaladjacent length L₄ extends along the second side of the transfer supportmember 50 after the third length L₃, a fifth vertical adjacent length L₅extends along the first side of the transfer support member 50 after thefourth length L₄, a second suspension portion 121S₂ is locatedintermediate the fourth and fifth lengths L₄, L₅, respectively, and asixth adjacent length L₆ laterally extends along the first side of thetransfer support member 50 after the fifth length L₅.

[0069] In operation the arm 21 can move have lateral directional travelcomponents so as to move back and forth across above the transfersupport member 50. In so doing, the elongated product 25 can bedischarged to hang or drape from a first side of the transfer supportmember 50, cross over the width of the body of the member 50 and hang ordrape another vertical segment down the other opposing second side. Thearm 21 continues to release the elongated food so that another verticalsegment or portion hangs or drapes still on the same second side beforeit re-crosses over the transfer support member 50 and drapes anothervertical length back on the first side of the transfer support member.The non-looped straddled product can be arranged so that the suspendedvertical draped lengths are substantially the same, dissimilar, orcombinations thereof. The draping motion can be continued so as tosubstantially fill a major portion or substantially all of the length ofthe transfer support member with the elongated product 25. The laterallengths of product (i.e., L₃, L₆) can be disposed so that they aresubstantially horizontal as shown, or in other desired configurations.The length of the lateral segments can alter and can be controlled bythe movement pattern and speed of discharge, the speed of the motion ofthe arm, and the movement and speed of the transfer support member 50during the loading process or operation.

[0070]FIG. 2E illustrates that in lieu of a single continuous length ofproduct 25, a plurality of discrete product lengths can be straddleloaded onto the transfer support member 50. In operation, the windingmechanism 30 causes the arm 21 to release a plurality of discretelengths of elongated item 25 so that the items are arranged in asuspended laterally spaced apart straddled configuration, each discretelength having opposing first and second end portions 25 p ₁, 25 p ₂ andan intermediate portion 121S₁, 121S₂, therebetween, respectively. Inposition, the first and second end portions 25 p ₁, 25 p ₂,respectively, vertically extend to reside adjacent to each other onopposing sides of the transfer support member 50 and the respectiveintermediate portion 121S₁ or 121S₂, defines a respective one suspensioncontact region that contacts the transfer support member 50.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 2C, stated differently, certain embodiments ofthe suspended straddle configuration of elongated product 25 on thetransfer support or carrier member 50 is provided so that sections ofthe elongated product form bights B₁, B₂ . . . B_(n) that are drapedfrom the rod, with longitudinally consecutive or serially positionedbights, being formed and/or located on opposing sides of the carriermember. The bights are sections of the elongated product that bend orcurve but do not intersect. As such, the elongated product has adjacentor serially consecutive bights, each of which can have a series of bendsor curves (i.e., defined by serially consecutive vertical, longitudinal,and vertical segments) that are draped on one side of the carrier member50 before the next bight starts across the other side of the carriermember 50. The loaded transfer member 50 can define a loaded carriermember assembly with elongated product thereon. The product can bearranged on the carrier member so that the elongate product is suspendedin a straddled configuration, draped from the carrier member, so thatsections of the elongated product form bights, with serially consecutivebights being formed on opposite sides of the carrier member. Each orselected bights can have a plurality of bends or curves and the adjacentbights do not intersect or crossover each other.

[0072]FIG. 2D illustrates an exemplary loading motion 21 p of the arm 21that can be used to provide the straddle arrangement shown in eitherFIG. 2C or 2E. As shown, the loading motion is an open path that has aboundary that has lateral components that permits the arm 21 to travelback and forth across the width of the transfer support member 50. Asshown, the arm 21 is disposed so that the travel path boundary primarilyextends above the underlying transfer support member 50. FIG. 2D alsoshows that the travel motion 21 p can be substantially arcuate with theshape defined by lowermost points 21 p ₁, 21 p ₃, and the maximaposition 21 p ₂. In operation, the arm 21 can repetitively travel in themotion pattern shown 21 p or in other suitable motion patterns. FIGS.13A-13G illustrate exemplary straddle loading motion patterns 21 p, someof which are open and some of which are closed travel paths.

[0073]FIGS. 13A, 13C, 13D, and 13E illustrate different open arcuatepatterns 21 p. FIG. 13A illustrates that the arcuate pattern 21 p can bereversed so that it turns upward with opposing end portions 21 p ₁, 21 p₂, that are above the transfer support member 50 and a minima location21 m disposed therebetween. FIGS. 13G and 13F illustrate closed pathmotion patterns 21 p for the arm 21. The pattern 21 p shown in FIG. 13Gis above the rod and has increased vertical travel distance relative tothe amount of lateral travel distance. FIG. 13F illustrates that thepath 21 p may have increased horizontal or lateral travel distancerelative to the amount of vertical travel distance. FIG. 13F illustratesthat in certain embodiments, no matter whether an open or closed path,and notwithstanding the configuration thereof, the travel motion pattern21 p can be offset, inclined about, and/or not centered on or over thetransfer support member 50.

[0074]FIGS. 3C and 3D illustrate the translation of the arm 21 withrespect to the transport member 50 (each moving during the loadingoperation) that can be used to straddle load the transport member 50with product 25 such as shown in FIGS. 2C and/or 2E. The transportmember 50 is located at a first position P₁ and is gradually movedforward, typically in a unidirectional manner, to a second position P₂as the arm 21 drapes or hangs the product 25 thereon. Thus, in theportion of the loading cycle illustrated, the transport member 50 movesa distance ΔP. The travel path of the transport member can be such thatit is generally below and different from that of the arm 21. In certainembodiments, the arm 21 travels side to side over the transport memberwith a constant or variable speed while the transport member 50 movesunidirectionally forward at a desired speed.

[0075] The length of the arm 21 can vary depending on various factors,such as, but not limited to, the size of the product, the forward speedof the product, the desired winding pattern and the like. In certainembodiments, the length of the arm 21 is sized to be at least the lengthof the transport member 50. In other embodiments, the length of the arm21 is such that the elongate product 25 travels at least about 2-8 feet,and typically at least about 6 feet, before being discharged therefromonto the support member 50.

[0076] The automated winder 20 may be configured to be self-supportingor free-standing and portable or free-standing and secured to theproduction floor relative to the related upstream and/or downstreamequipment, as desired. In other embodiments, the second end portion 21 bof the arm can be attached to the extruder or upstream device 10 so asto be in communication with the discharge port 10 p. As such, the secondend portion 21 b is stationary but can be pivotally attached to thedevice 10. In certain embodiments, the second end portion 21 b ismounted so as to be able to move bi-directionally; the mounting orattachment can be configured in any suitable manner, such as, but notlimited to, a universal joint, ball joint, bearing, elastomeric joint,and the like. FIG. 8 illustrates an end view of one embodiment of thearm 21 with an end portion 21 b configured to be mounted to an extruderor other upstream-positioned device. As shown, the end portion 21 b isconfigured to be affixed to a device 10 so that it is stationary orfixed in place but allowed to translate in a bi-directional manner inresponse to forces introduced by the movement of the arm 21 as it, inturn moves in response to forces introduced by the winding mechanism 30(FIG. 6).

[0077] The arm 21 can be any desired shape or configuration. The arm 21includes a floor 21 f that supports the elongate product 25. The floor21 f can be stationary or moving, or combinations thereof. For example,the floor 21 f can comprise rollers, low-friction coatings or surfaces,a conveyor belt(s), and the like. In certain embodiments, the floor 21 fis defined by an endless conveyor 23 (FIG. 6) that wraps around the arm21 to continuously convey the product 25 forward and then return to thestarting position by traveling back underneath the floor 21 f. As shownin FIG. 5B, the arm 21 can include a channel or chute 21 ch that isconfigured with a shape that complements the elongated product 25. Forexample, for a substantially circular cross-section product 25, thefloor 21 f may include an arcuate or semi-circular channel 21 ch formedinto the floor that is configured to receive a portion of the perimeterof the body of the product therein. In certain embodiments, the channel21 ch may be sized to be slightly larger, i.e, have a sectional heightand/or width that is about 0.1-10% greater, than the height and/or widthof the product 25. The channel 21 ch may be formed over all or portionsof the length thereof. The elongate product 25 can be held in thechannel 21 ch as it travels over the length of the arm 21.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the arm 21 may include a covermember 21 c that covers the floor 21 f and encloses the elongate product25 therein. In certain embodiments, the channel 21 ch and the cover 21 cmay be formed from two or more matable shell members or, alternativelyfrom a housing or a conduit that is positioned on the arm 21 to definean enclosed channel 21 ch. The cover 21 c may be transparent ortranslucent or include viewing windows along the length thereof so thata machine or operator may view or inspect product flow at desired points(or substantially all or all of the travel path). The cover 21 c may beformed of a solid material. In other embodiments, a permeable ormesh-like cover (not shown) can be used.

[0079] Various automated detectors can be placed at desired locationsalong the arm to verify proper operation and to render an alert when anabnormality is indicated. Examples of such detectors include opticaldetectors (infrared or otherwise that respond to changes in visualintensity or generated light beams), flow meters, pressure meters,temperature sensors, and the like.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 2A, the winding mechanism 30 is configured toapproach the arm 21 from the lower or bottom surface. As such, thewinding mechanism 30 can be attached, directly or indirectly, to one ormore of the bottom side (lower primary surface) and/or one or more sides(minor surfaces) of the arm 21. FIG. 4 illustrates that the windingmechanism 30′ may alternatively be mounted to approach the arm from thetopside. As such, the winding mechanism 30′ can be configured to suspendthe arm 21 and may be attached, directly or indirectly, at the upperprimary surface and/or one or more sides of the arm 21. Still otherembodiments can be configured so that the winding mechanism 30, 30′ isattached via one or more end portions 21 a, 21 b, of the arm (notshown). Combinations of the attachment configurations noted above mayalso be used.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 6, the winding mechanism 30 may beattached at an intermediate position at one or more attachmentlocations, the attachment locations being a distance away from each ofthe first and second end portions 21 a, 21 b. Although the windingmechanism may be attached to the arm 21 at any desired length from therespective end portions 21 a, 21 b, in particular embodiments, thewinding mechanism 30 is attached at a primary pivot location that islocated inward of the ends of the arm, typically at a location that isinward at least about 20% of the length of the arm (away from each ofthe ends of the arm). The term “primary pivot location” describes thelocation on the arm 21 at which the winding mechanism drives therepetitive motion of the arm. It can be a single point contact, aplurality of points, or a region or regions, depending on theconfiguration of the winding mechanism itself. The attachmentposition/configuration, the length of the arm, and the weight of the armand product may influence the amount of physical movement needed by thewinding mechanism 30 to generate the desired translation at the endportion 21 a of the arm.

[0082]FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment in which the winding mechanism30 is attached at a primary pivot location 30 p that is approximatelycentrally located between each of the opposing ends of the arm 21. Thatis, it is located to be within about 10% of the middle location of thearm 21. In certain embodiments, as shown, the arm 21 may also include aninitial enclosed entry port 221 (FIG. 8) that is configured to directthe elongated product to travel in its desired substantially linear 25travel path over the arm 21. Similarly, the arm 21 may include an exitblock member 222 that inhibits through passage of the elongated product25 thereby facilitating the sideward (discharge) of the elongate product25. In other embodiments, the pivot or winding mechanism 30 can belocated closer to the discharge port, i.e., proximate to or adjacent theproduct inlet port 21 b, this position may allow the arm 21 to beshortened (not shown).

[0083] Referring to FIG. 7, an exemplary embodiment of a windingmechanism 30 is shown. This figure is a side view of the device shown inFIG. 6. In this embodiment, the winding mechanism 30 comprises afour-bar linkage 33 that is mounted on a stationary mount bracket 34.The four bar-linkage 33 includes a pivotably mounted rotating link 36,and a stationary mounted wheel 38, a center linkage 30L that ispivotably attached to both the pivotably mounted link 36 and thestationary mounted link 38. In operation, the link 36 and the centerlink 30L define a minor axis of motion control 40 while the wheel link38 and the center link 30L define a major axis of motion control 41. Thecenter linkage 30L can include upwardly extending threads 39 that can beused to attach the winding mechanism (directly or indirectly) to the arm21.

[0084] The wheel 38 can be driven by a gear or shaft (not shown) toautomatically turn the wheel 38 at a desired speed (constant and/orvariable). Generally described, as the wheel 38 turns, the center link30L follows the rotation of the wheel 38, making the center link 30Lmove both laterally (indicated by the side-to-side arrows in the upperportion of the linkage) and vertically (indicated by the verticalarrows) all the while limited by the pivotably attached link 36 thatlimits the lateral motion of the center linkage 30L. In this way, thewinding mechanism 30 causes the arm 21 to travel through a repetitivesubstantially elliptical pattern 21 p as shown in FIG. 6. Of course anysuitable winding mechanism can be employed, including, but not limitedto, cam/follower arrangements, pistons (pneumatic or hydraulic),combinations of linkages and any of the above as well as otherelectromechanical configurations that can generate the desired repeatedwinding motion.

[0085] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate another embodiment of a winder 20′. Asshown, the arm 21 has two spaced apart floor support mounting brackets121, 122, a first one 121 positioned proximate the second end portion 21b of the arm and another second one 122 positioned upstream of the firstone 121. The first mounting bracket 121 has a junction member 125 thatis pivotably mounted to two upwardly extending arms 121 ₁, 121 ₂. Thejunction member 125 supports the arm 21 while cooperating with thewinding mechanism 30 so that it allows the arm 21 to move in amultidirectional manner in response to movement of the arm as driven bythe winding mechanism 30.

[0086]FIG. 9C shows that the winding mechanism 30′ is attached to thearm 21 at a primary pivot region 30 p that is upstream of the firstfloor support mounting bracket 121. The primary pivot region 30 p is atthe attachment position of the winding mechanism linkage 130L to thearm. As shown in FIG. 9C, the linkage 30L includes a fork-like upperportion 130 u that spans the width of the arm 21 and attaches toopposing sides thereof. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, thewinding mechanism 30′ shown in FIGS. 9A-9D causes the arm to move in asubstantially elliptical rotational movement pattern. In thisembodiment, the winding mechanism 30′ includes a vertically elongatelinkage 130L (such as a piston or rod) that slidably moves throughlinkage 136 proximate the upper portion of the vertically elongatelinkage 130L and that is connected at the lower portion thereof to arotational member 138. As shown by the arrows located adjacent the lowerrotational member 138 in FIG. 9D, in operation, the clockwise rotationof member 138 forces the vertically elongate linkage 130L to moveforward and downward and then rearward and upward relative to the arm21. A counterclockwise arrangement may also be used. The movement of thevertically elongate linkage 130L is further limited or shaped by themovement of the upper linkage 136 that pivots side to side with respectto the arm 21 (indicated by the arcuate arrows proximate the upper link136) as the linkage 130L slides through the block 136 b that cooperateswith the upper link 136. The upper link 136 is pivotably mounted to ablock 136 b and is mounted to the platform 122 via stationary mountingbracket 34. A spring 130 s can be mounted to the platform 122 to helpcontrol and/or dampen the movement of the winding mechanism 30′ and/orlinkage 130L. As the linkage 130L is rotated by the lower linkage 138 itslides upwardly and downwardly through the linkage 136 b that inresponse pivots in lateral direction relative to the arm 21 to cause therepetitive rotation cycle.

[0087] FIGS. 9D-9G illustrate an additional embodiment of the windingmechanism 20″. This embodiment illustrates both a different floor or armconfiguration (two overlying conveyors with an intermediate food travelpath), and a variation on the winding mechanism linkage assembly.Referring to FIG. 9G, an outer perimeter portion of the rotatable link138 is shown attached to the lower portion of the link 130L. As the link138 rotates, the elongated link 130L is directed to travel in amultidirectional motion (up and down and sideways). In operation, therotatable link 138 is substantially constantly rotated or driven by anelectric motor. One suitable motor is a ¼ HP 480V three-phase motorhaving about a 1750 rpm output with a 2.2 ratio.

[0088] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 9F and 9G, the upper link 136 canbe (pivotably) attached to the block 136 b the link 136 can be(pivotably) attached to the platform 122 via a stationary mountingbracket 34. The spring 130 s can be attached to the lower portion of thelinkage 130L (proximate the connection to the rotatable link 138) on oneend portion and the platform 122 (or bracket 34) at a location proximatethe upper link 136 at the other end portion to help control/dampenand/or stabilize the motion generated by the winding mechanism 30″.

[0089]FIGS. 9D and 9E illustrate an arm configuration that can employtwo overlying aligned and vertically spaced apart surfaces that define aroof or ceiling 21 r and a corresponding floor 21 f. In certainembodiments, the roof 21 r and/or floor 21 f may be formed from one ormore conveyors (shown as two spaced apart endless conveyors) 23 u, 231.The lower conveyor 231 defines the floor 21 f for food or other itemover the arm travel path. The two surfaces 21 r, 21 f that may bedefined by conveyors 23 u (roof), 231 (floor) can be spaced sufficientlyapart so as to define a gap therebetween 23 g. The gap 23 g can be sizedso as to allow both conveyor primary surfaces (those facing each other)to contact the food in opposing locations in a manner that does notdeform the shape of the food as it travels between the two surfaces 21f, 21 r and/or conveyors 23 u, 231, but sufficiently close so as to helpguide the food in the travel direction. In other embodiments, the gap 23g may be such that the roof, ceiling, or upper conveyor resides adistance above the food. The two conveyors 23 u, 231 may be configuredto move at the same speed. In certain embodiments, the speed of theconveyors may be operated between about 2-10 ft/sec, and in particularembodiments, at about 6.5 ft/sec linear movement. The conveyors 23 u,231 may be set to vary speed during operation and may be incommunication with a variable speed or frequency controller from ACTech. The drive motor may be configured similar to that described abovefor the winder mechanism 30. Although described as two endlessconveyors, other configurations can also be used. For example, the floor21 f and/or roof 21 r can be formed from more than one conveyor. Inother embodiments, the roof can be comprised from 2 or more conveyorscreating a channel configuration having a triangle or other multi-sidedconfiguration. The floor can also comprise a plurality of conveyors alsodefining a multi-sided shape (such as a triangle, open square, hexagon,and the like). In addition, portions of the floor and/or ceiling may beconfigured as stationary components. Combinations of the above may alsobe used.

[0090] In other embodiments, the floor 21 f of the arm 21 can beconfigured as a “V” or “U” shape (using a conveyor surface formed inthat configuration or a plurality of conveyors spaced and oriented todefine the desired shape) (not shown) to help hold the food therein asit travels along the arm. Combinations of the above may also be used.

[0091] FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate examples of particular embodiments oftransfer support members 50. As shown in FIG. 10A, the food transportmember 50 may be configured as rod or “stick” 50 r. FIG. 10B illustratesthat the food transport member 50′ may be configured as a pair ofseparate rods or sticks 50 r 1, 50 r 2, that are vertically spaced apartand aligned. The two rods 50 r 1, 50 r 2 may be optionally attached asshown by the broken line 50 att feature in FIG. 10B. In this embodiment,the winder arm 21 can be configured to travel through a winding paththat has a sufficient vertical distance so as to encompass or encircleboth of the rods 50 r 1, 50 r 2. FIG. 10C illustrates that the transportmember 50′″ can include a contiguous body or a shape or configurationthat extends below the upper portion as there is no longer anyrequirement that the transport member be inserted into hooks to removethe suspended product therefrom. The contiguous body may be solid,perforated, forminated, or configured to reduce weight. Similarly, thetransport member 50 may include one or more handles 50 h or otherexternally accessible handling means disposed along the length and/or atselected end portions thereof to promote ease of handling to transportthe loaded member to another active station. It will be appreciated bythose of skill in the art that the present invention now allows a numberof different configurations that that can act as suitable supportmembers 50, 50′, 50″ and the present invention is not limited to theembodiments described herein. In addition, in operation, a plurality oftransfer support members, of the same or different configurations, maybe sequentially (manually or automated) serially loaded and removed byaligning them with the winder 20.

[0092]FIG. 11A illustrates that the distal end portion 21 a of the arm21 can be configured with an end guide 322 that helps to direct themovement of the food as it exits off the arm 21 during the windingoperation as the arm moves in its desired winding motion pattern. Inoperation, the elongated item 25 (shown in broken line) travels throughan aperture 322 a defined by the end guide 322. The guide 322 may havean outer perimeter that is looped and defines a tongue 322 t with anopen center. FIG. 11B illustrates an alternate embodiment of an endguide 322′. The guide 322′ includes an inwardly oriented tongue 322 t′that defines the aperture 322 a′ and spaced apart prongs 322 p ₁, 322 p₂. In this embodiment, in operation, the food 25 travels outwardly overthe perimeter innermost portion of the tongue 322 t. Otherconfigurations of guides 322, 322′ may also be used. The end guide 322,322′ is illustrated with the arm configuration that employs a ceiling orroof and floor 21 f, 21 r; however, the end guide 322, 322′ is notlimited thereto and may be used with any desired arm configuration. Incertain embodiments, the end guide 322, 322′ may be positioned proximateto and substantially vertically aligned with the floor 21 f. In otherembodiments, the end guide 322, 322′ may be configured to extendoutwardly at a vertical level that is below the floor 21 f. In yet otherembodiments, the end guide 322, 322′ may be configured to rise above thefloor 21 f.

[0093]FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate exemplary winding motion patterns 21p, 21 p′ contemplated by certain embodiments of the instant invention.FIG. 12A illustrates a pattern 21 p that is substantially constant overthe winding of the length of the loading member 50 and that the arm 21can be held substantially planar (horizontal) as it moves through thewinding motion. FIG. 12B illustrates that a variable winding motionpattern 21 p′ can be generated. As shown, the winding pattern 21 p′increases or amplifies from left to right to have greater minima andmaxima height 21 h ₁, 21 h ₃ at various positions along the loadingmember (or between different loading members or products and/or canincrease from left to right). FIG. 12B also illustrates that the arm 21may be inclined during the winding operation (the arm can also bedeclined or operated at various times to be a combination of inclined,declined, or level. In addition, the winding pattern 21 p, 21 p′ canvary in other manners (shape or pattern) along the length of winding aparticular loading member 50 or vary for each or selected loadingmembers or products.

[0094] The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is notto be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplaryembodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in theart will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in theexemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thisinvention as defined in the claims. In the claims, means-plus-functionclauses, where used, are intended to cover the structures describedherein as performing the recited function and not only structuralequivalents but also equivalent structures. Therefore, it is to beunderstood that the foregoing is illustrative of the present inventionand is not to be construed as limited to the specific embodimentsdisclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as wellas other embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope ofthe appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims,with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A method for loading a carrier member withsuspended elongated product, comprising: suspending an elongated productover a carrier member in a straddled configuration, in which sections ofelongated product form bights having a plurality of non-intersectingbends draped from the carrier member, with serially consecutive bightsbeing draped on opposing sides of the carrier member.
 2. A methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the elongated product is an elongated meatproduct.
 3. A method for loading an elongated item onto a receivingmember, comprising: receiving a continuous length of at least oneelongated product onto an elongated arm, the elongated arm havingopposing receiving and releasing end portions; moving the elongated armto cause it to travel repeatedly along a first desired path; directingthe at least one elongated product to travel forward a desired distanceover the elongated arm during the moving step; positioning a transfersupport member having an associated length in cooperating alignment withthe elongated arm; then translating the transfer support member along asecond desired path that so that the transfer support member travelsadjacent the first path as the at least one elongated product isreleased from the releasing end portion of the elongated arm; andsuspending at least one length of released elongated product on thetransfer support member in response to the translating step so that theelongated product is arranged in a straddled configuration with at leastone of: (a) a plurality of adjacently arranged non-looped lengthshanging on the one side of the transfer support member and a pluralityof different adjacent non-looped lengths hanging on the opposing side ofthe transfer support member so that the elongated product has aplurality of suspension contact points spaced apart about a desiredlength of the transfer support member; and/or (b) a plurality ofnon-looped spaced apart discrete lengths draped over the transfersupport member.
 4. A method according to claim 3, wherein said step ofmoving is carried out by pivoting the arm about a primary pivot pointthat is positioned a distance away from the receiving end portionthereof.
 5. A method according to claim 4, wherein said step ofdirecting is carried out by conveying the elongated product forward onthe elongated arm.
 6. A method according to claim 3, wherein said stepof directing is carried out by the forward momentum of the elongatedproduct.
 7. A method according to claim 3, wherein the first path is aclosed path.
 8. A method according to claim 3, wherein the second pathelevationally extends about level with or below the lowermost portion ofthe perimeter of the first path.
 9. A method according to claim 8,wherein the first path is an open path.
 10. A method according to claim3, wherein the elongated product is an extruded product held in acasing.
 11. A method according to claim 3, wherein the elongated productis a stuffed product held in a casing.
 12. A method according to claim3, wherein the elongated product is a meat product.
 13. A methodaccording to claim 10, wherein the elongated product is a continuouslength of portioned or linked meat.
 14. A method according to claim 10,wherein the elongated product is a continuous length of non-chain linkedmeat.
 15. A method according to claim 3, wherein the elongated productis a non-cased food product.
 16. A method according to claim 3, whereinthe releasing end portion includes an end guide with a receivingaperture formed therein, and wherein the directing step comprisesdirecting the elongated product to travel through the aperture duringthe moving step.
 17. A method according to claim 3, wherein thesuspended straddled arrangement of the elongated product on the transfersupport member is such that, in serial order, a first continuous lengthof product is arranged so that a first vertical length of the elongatedproduct extends about one side of the transfer support member, a secondvertical length extends over the opposing second side of the transfersupport member after the first length, a first suspension portion islocated intermediate the first and second lengths, a third adjacentlength laterally extends along the second side of the transfer supportmember after the second length, a fourth vertical adjacent lengthextends along the second side of the transfer support member after thethird length, a fifth vertical adjacent length extends along the firstside of the transfer support member after the fourth length, a secondsuspension portion is located intermediate the fourth and fifth lengths,and a sixth adjacent length laterally extends along the first side ofthe transfer support member after the fifth length.
 18. A methodaccording to claim 17, wherein the first, second, fourth and fifthvertical lengths are substantially the same.
 19. A method according toclaim 17, wherein at least one of the first, second, fourth and fifthvertical lengths is different.
 20. A method according to claim 17,wherein the suspended straddled arrangement provided by the firstthrough sixth lengths is repeated with a second continuous length of thesame or a different elongated product on the same transport supportmember.
 21. A method according to claim 17, wherein the suspendedstraddled arrangement provided by the first through sixth lengths isrepeated with a second continuous length of the same or a differentelongated product on a different transport support member.
 22. A loadedcarrier assembly having elongated product thereon, comprising: a carriermember; and an elongate product suspended on the carrier member in astraddled configuration draped from the carrier member, in whichsections of the elongated product form: (a) bights, with seriallyconsecutive bights being formed on opposite sides of the carrier member;and/or (b) discrete non-looped spaced apart suspended lengths.
 23. Aloaded carrier assembly according to claim 22, wherein the elongatedproduct is an elongated meat product.
 24. An automated winder for anelongated product, comprising: an elongated arm having an associatedlength and opposing first and second end portions, wherein, in position,said first end portion is adapted to receive an elongated item thereonfrom an extrusion and/or stuffer device located upstream of theautomated winder, and wherein the second end portion is configured torelease the elongated item therefrom after the item travels a desireddistance over the length of the arm away from the extrusion and/orstuffer device; and a winding mechanism attached to said elongated arm adistance from said first end portion, said winding mechanism configuredto cause said elongated arm to travel repeatedly in a desired motionpattern so that, in operation, the winding mechanism causes the arm torelease a sufficient length or lengths of one or more elongated items sothat the one or more elongated items are suspended in a straddlednon-looped configuration on a suitably positioned transfer supportmember at a plurality of spaced apart suspension contact regions.
 25. Anautomated winder according to claim 24, wherein the length of the arm isat least about six feet.
 26. An automated winder according to claim 24,wherein, in operation, said winding mechanism causes the arm to follow aclosed path having both X and Y axis travel coordinates so that the armtravels a distance above and side to side of the aligned transfersupport member.
 27. An automated winder according to claim 24, wherein,in operation, the transfer member has an associated travel path and, andwherein said winding mechanism causes the arm to follow a differenttravel path with a boundary that extends above and side to side of thetravel path of the transfer support member.
 28. An automated winderaccording to claim 27, wherein the arm travel path defines an endlessmotion pattern.
 29. An automated winder according to claim 24, whereinthe motion pattern of the arm is an open path with lateral directionalcomponents.
 30. An automated winder according to claim 24, wherein thewinding mechanism causes the arm to release the elongated item so that acontinuous length of the elongated item is arranged in a suspendedstraddled configuration with multiple suspension contact points on thesuitably aligned transfer support member.
 31. An automated winderaccording to claim 30, wherein the winding mechanism is configured toconfigure the suspended straddled arrangement of the elongated producton the transfer support member such that, in serial order, a firstcontinuous length of product is arranged so that a first vertical lengthof the elongated product extends about one side of the transfer supportmember, a second vertical length extends over the opposing second sideof the transfer support member after the first length, a firstsuspension portion is located intermediate the first and second lengths,a third adjacent length laterally extends along the second side of thetransfer support member after the second length, a fourth verticaladjacent length extends along the second side of the transfer supportmember after the third length, a fifth vertical adjacent length extendsalong the first side of the transfer support member after the fourthlength, a second suspension portion is located intermediate the fourthand fifth lengths, and a sixth adjacent length laterally extends alongthe first side of the transfer support member after the fifth length.32. An automated winder according to claim 24, wherein the windingmechanism causes the arm to release the elongated item so that it isarranged to occupy a substantial length of the suitably aligned transfersupport member.
 33. An automated winder according to claim 24, whereinthe winding mechanism causes the arm to release a plurality of discretelengths of elongated item so that the items are arranged in a suspendedlaterally spaced apart straddled configuration, each discrete lengthhaving opposing first and second end portions and an intermediateportion therebetween, wherein, in position, the first and second endportions vertically extend to reside adjacent to each other on opposingsides of the transfer support member and the intermediate portiondefines a respective one suspension contact region that contacts thetransfer support member.
 34. An automated winder according to claim 30,wherein the arm motion pattern is substantially arcuate when viewed fromthe front of the arm.
 35. An automated winder according to claim 24,wherein said arm further comprises an endless conveyor that moves theelongated item over the length of the arm.
 36. An automated winderaccording to claim 24, wherein said arm comprises a stationary floorthat supports the elongated item thereon.
 37. An automated winderaccording to claim 24, further comprising the elongated item, whereinthe elongated item is an extruded or stuffed product held in a casing.38. An automated winder according to claim 24, further comprising theelongated item, wherein the elongated item is a meat product.
 39. Anautomated winder according to claim 38, wherein the elongated meatproduct is a contiguous length of portioned or linked meat.
 40. Anautomated winder according to claim 38, wherein the elongated meatproduct is a contiguous length of non-linked meat.
 41. An automatedwinder according to claim 24, wherein the length of the armsubstantially corresponds to the length of the transfer support member.42. An automated winder according to claim 24, wherein the length of thearm is longer than the length of the transfer support member.
 43. Anautomated winder according to claim 24, wherein the elongated arm isconfigured with two vertically spaced apart primary surfaces defining aroof and floor, respectively, and wherein, in operation the elongateditem travels therebetween in intimate contact with the floor andproximate to and/or in intimate contact with the roof.
 44. An automatedwinder according to claim 43, wherein the roof and the floor are definedby endless conveyors.
 45. An automated winder according to claim 44,wherein the arm second end portion is in communication with an end guidethat includes a receiving aperture that receives the elongated itemtherein and helps direct the elongated item onto the transfer supportmember as the arm moves through the desired motion pattern.
 46. Anautomated winder system, comprising: at least one elongated transfersupport member having a length and sized and configured to hold astraddled arrangement of an elongated product thereon; an automatedwinder configured to be cooperably positioned and aligned with thedischarge port of an extrusion/stuffer device configured todischarge-elongated product therefrom, the automated winder comprising;an elongated arm having an associated length, said elongated arm havingopposing first and second end portions, wherein, in position, said firstend portion is adapted to receive an elongated item thereon from theextrusion device, wherein said second end portion is configured torelease the elongated item therefrom after the item travels greater thana major portion of the length of the arm in a direction that is awayfrom the extrusion/stuffer device, and wherein the arm is positioned inspaced apart cooperating alignment with the transfer support member; anda winding mechanism attached to said elongated arm, said windingmechanism is configured to cause said elongated arm to travel repeatedlyin a desired motion so that, in operation, the winding mechanism causesthe elongated product to straddle the transfer support member in anon-looped arrangement as it is released from the second end portion ofthe arm.
 47. A system according to claim 46, wherein the arm length islonger than the length of the transfer support member, and wherein thetransfer support member is translated away from the extrusion/stufferdevice during operation so as to receive the straddled product in adistributed manner over a desired length of the support member.
 48. Asystem according to claim 46, wherein said transfer support member andsaid arm are spaced apart so that, in operation, the translationmechanism transfers the product onto the transfer support member so thatproduct is arranged in substantially uniform hanging lengths suspendedfrom the transfer support member.
 49. A system according to claim 46,wherein, the system is adapted to sequentially and serially receive aplurality of transfer support members so that each is aligned with thearm of the winder for a desired interval of time so as to successivelysubstantially continuously transfer and load elongated product onto eachof the plurality of transfer support member.
 50. A system according toclaim 46, wherein the transfer support member is configured as a rod.51. A system according to claim 46, wherein the system defines a portionof a food processing facility.
 52. A system according to claim 46,wherein the length of the arm is at least about six feet.
 53. A systemaccording to claim 46, wherein, in operation, said winding mechanismcauses the arm to follow a closed path with a lateral directionalcomponents sufficient to move the arm a distance side to side above thealigned transfer support member.
 54. A system according to claim 46,wherein, in operation, said winding mechanism causes the arm to followan open path that extends at least partially above the aligned transfersupport member and having lateral directional components sufficient tocause the arm to move back and forth across the width of the alignedtransfer support member.
 55. A system according to claim 54, wherein, inoperation, the arm travels a first bi-directional selected path, and thetransfer support member is cooperably aligned with the arm so that itextends substantially orthogonally below the boundary defined by thefirst path, and wherein the transfer support member travels a secondopen unidirectional path.
 56. A system according to claim 46, whereinsaid arm further comprises an endless conveyor that moves the item overthe arm.
 57. A system according to claim 46, wherein said arm comprisesa stationary floor that supports the elongated item thereon.
 58. Asystem according to claim 46, wherein the repetitive motion generated bythe winding mechanism causes the arm to travel in a closed substantiallyoval path.
 59. A system according to claim 46, wherein the repetitivemotion generated by the winding mechanism causes the arm to travel in anopen path that is substantially arcuate.
 60. A system according to claim59, wherein the straddled product is suspended on the transfer supportmember at a plurality of spaced apart suspension contact regions so asto generate multiple suspended lengths of the elongated item withadjacent segments disposed selected sides of the transfer support memberalong a major portion of the length thereof.
 61. A system according toclaim 46, further comprising the elongated item, wherein the elongateditem is an extruded or stuffed product held in a casing.
 62. A systemaccording to claim 46, further comprising the elongated item, whereinthe elongated item is a meat product.
 63. A system according to claim62, wherein the elongated meat product is a contiguous length ofportioned or linked meat.
 64. A system according to claim 62, whereinthe elongated meat product is a contiguous length of non-linked meat.65. A system according to claim 46, wherein the length of the armsubstantially corresponds to the length of the transfer support member.66. A system according to claim 46, wherein the length of the arm islonger than the length of the transfer support member.
 67. A systemaccording to claim 46, wherein the elongated arm is configured with twovertically spaced apart primary surfaces defining a roof and floor,respectively, and wherein, in operation the elongated item travelstherebetween in intimate contact with the floor and proximate to theroof.
 68. A system according to claim 67, wherein the roof and the floorare defined by spaced apart endless conveyors.
 69. A system according toclaim 46, wherein the arm second end portion is in communication with anend guide that includes a receiving aperture that receives the elongateditem therein and helps direct the elongated item onto the transfersupport member as the arm moves through the desired motion pattern. 70.A system according to claim 69, wherein the end guide includes aninwardly oriented tongue having an outer perimeter associated therewithand two laterally spaced apart opposing sides, and wherein the elongateditem is configured to enter the end guide to reside between the twosides in a direction that is outwardly away from the outer perimeter ofthe tongue.
 71. A system according to claim 69, wherein the end guideincludes an outwardly oriented tongue with two laterally spaced apartopposing sides, and wherein the elongated item is configured to enterthe end guide to reside between the two sides inwardly of the outerperimeter of the tongue.